By Peter.
Real Madrid’s star winger Vinicius Junior (25) has informed club president Florentino Pérez that he has no intention of renewing his contract—which runs until June 2027—while his relationship with manager Xabi Alonso remains strained, according to reports from The Athletic on November 24, 2025. The Brazilian, who joined from Flamengo in 2018 for €45m, has been pivotal in Madrid’s success (2022 UCL, 2023/24 La Liga), but frustrations boiled over in recent months.
Timeline of Tensions
- July 9, 2025: Roots trace to the Club World Cup semi-final loss to PSG (4-0), where Alonso benched Vinicius before an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold forced him onto the right wing—a position he’s uncomfortable with.
- October 26, 2025: Escalated during a 2-1 Clásico win over Barcelona; subbed off in the 72nd minute, Vinicius stormed down the tunnel, shouting “Always me, I’m leaving the team!” He apologized publicly but met Pérez privately, expressing reluctance to extend amid Alonso’s management.
- November 23, 2025: Benched for a 2-2 draw at Elche (subbed on 57th minute), fueling speculation.
Current Status
Vinicius has started just 10 of 13 La Liga games this season, completing 90 minutes only four times, and been benched in four league fixtures despite strong form (5 goals, 4 assists). Talks, initiated January 2025 for a 2030 extension, stalled over finances and Alonso’s role. Sources close to Vinicius cite “daily debate” over Alonso’s tactics; Pérez and scout Juni Calafat (Vinicius backer) seek resolution.
Potential Exit Rumors
Reports link Vinicius to Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Saudi clubs (Al-Hilal offered €1bn), but Madrid values him at €1bn+ and won’t force a sale. Alonso, appointed May 2025 post-Ancelotti, faces scrutiny; Pérez reportedly issued an ultimatum for results.
Vinicius (61 apps, 24 goals, 11 assists in 2025/26) remains Madrid’s talisman, but this rift tests Pérez’s dynasty-building. Resolution or rupture? La Liga watches.
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